End of an era as Emagold UK disbands

British manufacturers group Emagold UK has announced that it will be formally disbanding following International Jewellery London (IJL) this September.

The group will be exhibiting for the last time at IJL in Earls Court in what has been described as the ‘end of an era in the promotion of high caratage gold jewellery.’

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Emagold (The European Manufacturers’ Association) was established in 1992 with the support of the World Gold Council. Manufacturers throughout Europe joined the group, which principally promoted the use of higher carat gold jewellery at a time with the hallmarking system was under threat and the Emagold ‘Solar’ mark – a sun-like symbol stamped onto 18ct and 22ct jewellery alongside the hallmark – was being promoted as an alternative method of independently certified quality.

At its peak, membership of Emagold exceeded 120 companies in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and the UK.

The World Gold Council withdrew its support several years ago, with many of the European countries leaving Emagold as a result.

In the UK, a number of manufacturers and suppliers maintained their membership, using Emagold as a joint promotional tool to promote high calibre companies and jewellery. The group has exhibited together under the Emagold umbrella at UK trade fairs, manned a joint website and undertaken a number of major promotions and training initiatives, some in conjunction with the National Association of Goldsmiths.

Cooks on Precious Metals final chairman Asa Harrison said: “It is with some sadness that we have decided that Emagold has had its day.

“It has provided a great talking shop for those of us who have belonged and has undoubtedly drawn some of the UK’s longest established and best recognised jewellery suppliers closer together. The group began at a time when the market was dominated by sales of 9ct gold jewellery, which is very definitely no longer the case, and I like to think that Emagold’s legacy is that it undoubtedly helped to make retailers aware of the very real advantages of stocking, higher carat, higher quality gold jewellery. Whilst Emagold may be no more, our members will of course continue to offer the highest possible quality and service and many of the close associations made will endure.”